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An Alaskan vacation offers travelers the opportunity to come face to face with glaciers, go dog sledding or just kick back and relax under the midnight sun. Carry your camera around at all times, as you never know when a whale will surface beside the ship. Expect the unexpected, as Alaska remains the “Last Frontier.”

Packing

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be a challenge, as the weather changes constantly. Bulky coats require extensive storage space, so opt for high-tech lightweight pieces such as those manufactured by Gore Tex or PolarTec. Invest in a high-quality waterproof jacket, as rain is virtually guaranteed at some point during your cruise.

Alaska is casual and rugged, so dress for warmth and comfort rather than fashion. Take “resort casual” clothes such as khaki pants and sweaters for dinner and evening activities. Most ships offer two “formal nights” on a typical seven-day cruise, but most cruisers opt for a jacket and tie or cocktail dress rather than a tux or ball gown. Most lines offer formal wear rentals if you prefer to dress to the hilt.

Shipboard Life

Although each cruise line has its own personality, Alaska cruises are generally geared toward wildlife and history. An on-board naturalist will narrate glacier viewings and wildlife spotting, as well as give talks on the history of the area. Traditional shipboard activities also take place, from silly trivia games to Broadway-quality evening shows.

If you have previously cruised to a warm-weather destination such as the Caribbean, you may be surprised at how infrequently the pool decks are used. Cold, rainy weather drives most people indoors, and the swimming pools are only busy on rare sunny days. Many ships provide blankets and hot chocolate on deck, but shipboard parties and events are generally held indoors.

Shore Excursions or On Your Own?

Every ship offers a tantalizing selection of shore excursions, from dog sledding on a glacier to flightseeing tours high above Alaska’s mountain ranges. With a bit of Internet research, you can often book the same tour at a fraction of the cost. Just keep in mind that if you are late returning to the ship, it will not wait. Set your watch to ship’s time and plan to be back on board 30 minutes before sailing.

Saving Money

Sold only by mail order and not available in Alaska, the Great Alaskan TourSaver book is the key to saving money throughout Alaska. The book, which costs $100, is updated each year with hundreds of two-for-one discounts throughout Alaska on everything from admissions to tours to transportation. Depending on your schedule, you could save literally thousands of dollars.

In addition, Alaska cruise ports are located within easy walking distance of each stop’s downtown corridor. In towns such as Skagway, free National Park Service tours are every bit as entertaining and historically accurate as those offered by the cruise line for a high fee. Consider simply wandering around and paying individually for those things that seem worthwhile.

After the Cruise

If you have time, plan to spend at least a week exploring mainland Alaska, either as part of a package added onto your cruise or on your own. Both Seward and Whittier are quaint, historic port towns. The Alaska Railroad provides an inexpensive connection to two of the state’s largest cities--Anchorage and Fairbanks. Traveling to Alaska is expensive, so make the most of your time while you are there. Keep in mind that Alaska is twice the size of Texas, so it is impossible to see everything. Focus on thoroughly exploring one or two locations rather than racing through the entire state.

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About the Author

Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer specializing in disabled adventure travel. She spent 15 years working for Central Florida theme parks and frequently travels with her disabled father. Fritscher's work can be found in both print and online mediums, including VisualTravelTours.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of South Florida.

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